Tube connector



Sept. 13, 1960 H. zoLToK 2,952,484 TUBE CONNECTOR Filed May ll, 1959 kwil United TUBE yCONNECTOR Harry Zoltok, 790 South Drive, Fort Garry, Winnipeg 9,

Manitoba, Canada My invention relates to -new and useful improvements in tube connectors, specifically for tube connectors adapted to connect adjacent lengths of tubing together and designed specifically for joining tubular lamp standards.

`Contemporary decorative lamp standards consist of a relatively high vertical tube having one or more cantilever arms extending from the upper end thereof upon the ends of which the lamp fixtures are located.

Such lamp standards are normally of polygonal cross section and the davit or cantilever arms usually extend outwardly from the main standard a considerable distance.

Due to the height of conventional lamp standards and the distance of the overhang, it is extremely ditiicult to manufacture these in one piece as it will be realized that they are diiioult to handle in the manufacturing process and also extremely difficult to transport from the place of manufacture to the site where they are to be installed. In fact, with the present day overhang required, it is impossible to transport such standards in a conventional box car.

It is, therefore, desirable to manufacture the standards, tubes or poles separate from the davit or cantilever arm assembly, and it therefore becomes necessary to provide an eicient junction ybetween the two portions when they are installed.

`Conventional spigot and clamp connection can be used but these are unsightly and detract from the finished appearance of the lamp standard which should flow in a smooth line from the base to the end of the cantilever armsand to enhance this appearance, it is conventional that the standards taper inwardly from the base to the ends of the cantilever arms to give a pleasing effect.

I have overcome these disadvantages by providing an eilicient tube connector situated internally ofthe ends of the tubes being joined and including a junction tube having two pairs of expanding blocks freely held therewithin which, due to a split being provided inside of the junction tube, enables the blocks to be expanded against the junction tube which, in turn, is expanded against the inner walls of the tube ends being joined thus providing an extremely `i'irm and invisible junction between the two lengths. This connection when used with tapered tube sections, takes advantage of the taper in the pole shafts to insure a positive connection.

The principal object and essence of my invention is, therefore, to provide a tube connector adapted to joint adjacent lengths of tubing, said connector being invisible when installed. l -Another object of my invention is to provide 4a device ofthe character herewithin described which permits all thewin'ng yand lamp installations to be installed Within the cantilever arm sections of a lam-p standard prior to erection.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a device of the charatcer herewithin described which rmt Patented Sept. 13,` 1960` permits relatively large dimensioned lamp standards to be handled easily in manufacture and transportation.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described in which the tube connector is easily tightened by means of a simple wrench.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described which is particularly suitable for use with tapered polygonal cross section tubing.

Another object of my invention is that a single connector is utilized for attaching multiple davit arms to a single shaft.

With the foregoing objects in view, and such other objects and advantages `as will become apparent to those skilled in the `art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, my invention consists essentially in the `arrangement and construction of parts all as hereinafter more particularly described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the upper end of a lamp standard and having a single cantilever arm secured thereto.

'Figure V2 is -a view similar to -Figure 1 but showing a double cantilevered arm section.

Figure 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the lower end of the cantilever arm portion and the upper end of `the vertical support portion connected together by means of my tube connector.

Figure 4 is a view substantially along the lines 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of my tube connector in situ.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

'Proceeding therefore to describe my invention in detail, Figures l and 2 show the upper portion of a conventional lamp standard including the main vertical post V1 and the cantilever portion 2. Figure 1 shows a single cantilever arm with a lighting iixture 3 upon the distal end 4 thereof, whereas Figure 2 shows a double cantilever arrangement with one cantilever arm 5 extending in a direction approximately degrees from the sec-` ond cantilever arm 6, lighting `fixtures 3 being secured to the distal ends thereof as in Figure 1.

The junction 7 between the vertical portion `1 and cantilever portion '2 is the location ofmytube connec-` tor collectively designated Sand shown in detail in the remaining views.

In the drawings, it will be noticed that the main standard 1 and the cantilever anns 2 taper gradually from the lower end toward the distal end 4 audit will be appreciated that the tube connector 8 also tapers so that it nests within the adjacent ends of the portions being connected thereby. .j

In detail, my tube connector consists of a junction tube 9 having a cross sectional contigui-ation similar to the cross sectional configuration of the tube lengths bef ing connected. In this connection the tubes being connected are octagonal when viewed in cross section, consequently the junction tube 9 is also octagonal' when viewed in cross section but it will be appreciated` that the connector can be adapted 4to join tubes having any cross sectional configuration providing the junction tube has a similar cross sectional conguration.

The relatively short junction tube 9 is plug welded as at 10 within the lower end 11 of the cantilever tube section 2 and nests within this endlwith the majority of the junction tube ,extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to be nested within the upper. end lwZQof the vertical standard 1. This junction tube 9 isgsplit longitudinally as at 13, and the upper end 14 of the split are tack welded together to enable the ends to be inserted easily Within the end 11 of the cantilever arm prior to the afore-mentioned plug welding 10.

Because of this construction, the split 13 widensvas it approaches the base 15 of the junction tube thereby permitting the junction tube to follow the taper of the main standard 1.

A pair of upper expansion blocks `16 and 17 are located adjacent the upper end 18 of the junction tube and a lower pair of expander blocks 20 and 21 are located adjacent the lower end 15 of the junction tube.

Means collectively designated 22 are provided within the junction tube to maintain the pairs of blocks freely in axially spaced relation as shown, said means taking the form of a pair of elongated straps 23 secured by spot welding 24 medially along the length thereof, to the inner walls of the junction tube 9 and reference to Figures 4 and 5 will show that these straps 22 and 23 are located diametrically opposite one another and at 90 degrees from the aforementioned split 13. The ends 25 of the straps are angulated to form U-shaped clips within which nests the aforementioned blocks 16, 17, 20 and 21 and it will be observed from reference to Figures 4 and 5 that the outer walls 26 of the blocks are shaped to conform with the inner walls of the junction tube and to nest freely therewithin. The blocks also are recessed on their inner faces at 27 to assist the aforementioned nesting of the blocks within the clips or brackets 25 on the ends of straps 23, this recessing also providing a vertical channel area 28 through which wiring for the lamps may pass.

Means are provided to expand the blocks against the walls of the junction tube, said means taking the form of bolts 29 which are screwthreaded upon the ends 30 thereof. These ends engage corresponding screwthreaded apertures 31 within the blocks specically designated 16 and 20 and are also provided with recessed hexagonal wrench engaging heads 32. h The wall of the vertical tube 1 is apertured as at 33 opposite the recessed heads 32 of the bolt to enable a wrench, commonly known as an Allen wrench, to be inserted through the walls and to engage the bolt 29 for rotating same.

The ends 34 of the bolts freely engage blind apertures 35 within the inner faces 27 of the blocks specificall1y designated 17 and 2.1, it being observed that the straps 23 are apertured to permit free movement of the bolts therethrough.

From the foregoing it will be observed that if bolts 29 are rotated, the screwthreaded engagement of the ends 30 within the blocks 16 and 20 force the blocks apart against the walls of the junction tube 9 which in turn wedge against the inner surfaces of the end 12 of the vertical tube 1 thus clamping together securely the cantilever section 2 to the vertical section 1.

If desired, the conguration of the expander blocks may be slightly different from the configuration of the walls of the junction tube to give a greater wedging action but in any event, due to the free tioating action of the two pairs of blocks, the junction tube can be wedged securely within the end of the vertical tube with the minimum of time and eifort.

Finally, flexible plugs 36 selectively engage the apertures 33 through the wall of the tube portion 1 thus sealing olf the interior of the tubes from moisture and the like.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the cantilever sections can be fully wired prior to installation and the vertical tube canV be set into position whereupon it is a relatively simple matter to mount the cantilever arms upon the vertical tube and to clamp same securely into position by means of the aforementioned bolts 29.

Since various modiications can be made in my invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely diiierent embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the Iaccompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

What I claim as my invention is:

l. A connector for detachably securing together adjacent lengths of tubing, comprising in combination a connector assembly spanning the junction between said lengths and being situated internally thereof, said assembly including a junction tube having an external configuration similar to the internal configuration of the tube lengths being joined, said junction tube nesting within the ends of said tube lengths, said junction tube being split lengthwise on at least one side thereof whereby said junction tube is expandable, a pair of upper expander blocks freely supported in said junction tube, a pair of lower expander blocks freely supported in said junction tube, means to support said blocks in said junction tube, and means cooperating with each pair of blocks, to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube independently and hence expand said junction tube within lsaid ends of said lengths of tubing.

2. A connector for detachably securing adjacent lengths of tapered tubing, comprising in combination a connectoi assembly spanning the junction between said lengths and being situated internally thereof, said assembly including a tapered junction ltube having an external conliguration similar to the internal configuration of the tube lengths being joined, said junction tube nesting within the ends of said tube lengths, said junction tube being split lengthwise on at least one side thereof whereby said junction tube is expandable, a pair of upper expander blocks freely supported in said junction tube, a pair of lower expander blocks freely supported in said junction tube, means to support said blocks in said junction tube, and means cooperating with each pair of blocks, to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube independently and hence expand `said junction tube withinA said ends of said lengths of tubing.

3. A connector for detachably securing together adjacent lengths of polygonal cross sectional tubing, comprising in combination a connector assembly spanning the junction between said lengths yand being situated internally thereof, said assembly including a junction tube having an external conliguration similar to the internal configuration of the tube lengths being joined, said junction tube nesting within the ends of said tube lengths, said junction tube being split lengthwise on at least one side thereof whereby said junction tube is expandable, a pair of upper expander blocks freely supported in Said junction tube, a pair of lower expander blocks freely sup'- ported in said junction tube, means to -support said blocks in `said junction tube, and means cooperating with each pair of blocks, to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube independently and hence expand said junction tube within said ends of said lengths of tubing.

4. A connector for detachably securing adjacent lengths of polygonal cross sectional tapered tubing, comprising in combination a connector assembly spanning the junction between said lengths and being situated internally thereof, -said assembly including a tapered junction tube having an external configuration similar to the internal configuration of the tube lengths being joined, said junction tube nesting within the ends of said tube lengths, said junction tube being split lengthwise on at least one side thereof whereby Said junction tube is expandable, a pair of upper expander blocks freely supported in said junction tube, a pair of lower expander blocks freely supported in said junction tube, means to support said blocks in said junction tube, and means cooperating with each pair of blocks, to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube independently and hence expand said junction tube within said ends of said lengths of tubing.

5. The device according to claim 1 in which said means to support said blocks in said tube comprises a strap extending between each of the blocks in said upper pair to the corresponding blocks in said lower pair, said strap being secured medially `along the length thereof to inner Wall of said junction tube, the ends of said strap being angulated to form a clip within which said block is freely engaged and supported thereby.

6. The device according to claim 2 in which said means to support said blocks in said -tube comprises a strap extending between each of the blocks in said upper pair to the corresponding blocks in said lower pair, said strap being secured medially along the length thereof to inner wall of said junction tube, the ends of said strap being angula-ted to form a clip within which said blocks is freely engaged and supported thereby.

7. The device according to claim 3 in which said means to support said blocks in said tube comprises a strap extending between each of the blocks in said upper pair to the corresponding blocks in said lower pair, said strap being secured medially along the length thereof to inner wall of rsaid junction tube, the ends of said strap being angulated to form la clip Within which said block is freely engaged `and supported thereby.

8. The device according to claim 4 in which said means to support said blocks in said tube comprises a strap extending between each of the blocks in said upper pair to the corresponding blocks in `said lower pair, said strap being secured medially along the length thereof to inner wall of said junction tube, the ends of said strap being angulated to form a clip within which said block is freely engaged and supported thereby.

9. The device according to claim 1 in which said means to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube comprises a bolt screwthreaded at one end and engageable within a correspondingly screwthreaded aperture within one of the blocks of each of said pairs, the other end of said bolt freely engaging a blind aperture within the other of the blocks of each of said pairs.

10. The device according to claim 2 in which said means -to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube comprises a bolt screwthreaded at one end and engageable within a correspondingly screwthreaded 4aperture within one of the blocks of each of said pairs, the other end of lsaid bolt freely engaging a blind aperture within the other of the blocks of each of said pairs.

11. The device according to claim 3 in which said means to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube comprises a bolt screwthreaded at one end and engageable within a correspondingly screwthreaded aperture within one of the blocks of each of said pairs, the other end of said bolt freely engaging a blind aperture within the other of each of the blocks of said pairs.

12. The device according to claim 4 in which said means to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of ysaid junction tube comprises a bolt screwthreaded at one end and engageable within a correspondingly screwthreaded aperture within one of the blocks of each of said pairs, the other end of said bolt freely engaging a blind aperture within the other of each of the blocks of said pairs.

13. The device according to claim 5 in which said means to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube include a bolt, said bolt being screwthreaded at one end and engageable within a screwthreaded aperture in one of the blocks of each of said pairs, the other end of said bolt freely engaging a blind aperture in the other of the blocks of said pairs, Said bolt also passing through apertures within each of the ends of said strap.

14. The device according to claim 6 in which said means to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube include a bolt, said bolt being screwthreaded at one end and engageable within a screwthreaded aperture in one of the blocks of each of said pairs, the other end of said bolt freely engaging a blind aperture in the other of the blocks of said pairs, said bolt also passing through apertures within each of the ends of said strap.

l5. The device according to claim 7 in which said means to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube include a bolt, said bolt being screwthreaded at one end and engageable within a screwthreaded aperture in one of the blocks of each of said pairs, the other end of said bolt freely engaging a blind aperture in the other of the blocks of said pair-s, said bolt also passing through apertures within each of the ends of said strap.

16. The device according to claim 8 in which said means to expand said pairs of blocks against the sides of said junction tube include a bolt, said bolt being screwthreaded at one end and engageable within a screwthreaded aperture in one of the blocks of each of said pairs, the other end of said bolt freely engaging a blind aperture in the other of the blocks of said pairs, said bolt also passing through apertures within each of the ends of said strap` References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 658,493 Trigwell Sept. 25, 1900 2,290,430 Heiser July 21, 1942 2,645,509 Valenta July 14, 1953 2,657,944 Miller Nov. 3, 1953 

